General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has officially initiated the construction of the US Navy’s 82nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, designated USS Quentin Walsh (DDG-132), with a significant ceremonial keel-laying event in Maine. This occasion marked the authentication of the first steel plate that will be integral to the ship’s assembly, thereby commencing its development phase.
The USS Quentin Walsh is classified as a Flight III ship, designed with advanced upgrades in sensors, electrical power systems, and cooling capacity to enhance its warfighting capabilities in today’s ever-evolving operational environments.
The vessel honors Captain Quentin Walsh, known for his exceptional bravery and leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his reconnaissance unit of 53 men successfully captured 750 German troops and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. Following his distinguished service in World War II, Captain Walsh also played a crucial role in the Korean War and held various significant positions at Coast Guard headquarters. After retiring from military service, he dedicated himself to teachings and public service in Maryland, earning accolades for his contributions.
At the keel-laying ceremony, Captain Jay Young, the Arleigh Burke Destroyer Program Manager, expressed the honor of commencing the construction of the USS Quentin Walsh and commemorating the captain’s legacy alongside his family. He emphasized that “DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness.”
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are notable for their substantial dimensions, measuring up to 510 feet (155 meters) in length, depending on the specific flight configuration. The ships are outfitted with advanced sensing technologies and equipped for various operational roles, including electronic warfare, torpedo operations, decoy countermeasures, and multi-domain missile launches. Furthermore, they can accommodate up to 300 personnel, along with maritime helicopters and small rigid-hull inflatable boats.
Propulsion-wise, the vessel boasts Rolls-Royce generators, each delivering 5,400 horsepower, along with four General Electric gas turbines, each producing approximately 26,200 horsepower. This configuration enables the ship to achieve speeds of up to 30 knots (35 miles/56 kilometers per hour) and a commendable operational range of 4,400 nautical miles (5,063 miles/8,149 kilometers).
